Our simple, super-effective formulas for a sparkling clean that’s fume-free, pet-safe, and environmentally sustainable.
Want a hygienic home without using harsh chemicals or spending a bundle on fancy natural cleaning products? We’ve got you covered, with two super simple formulas for homemade natural cleaners you can make in minutes, using ingredients you likely already have on hand.
4-Ingredient Homemade Soft Scrub Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 1 cup water
- dish soap
- up to 1 tablespoon white vinegar
Equipment
- bowl
- spoon
Instructions
- Pour the baking soda in a bowl.
- Add in dish soap, a little at a time, and mix with a spoon until the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
- Add a small amount of water.
- Add a small amount of vinegar (about a capful) very carefully so the mixture doesn’t foam up.
- Mix until all the ingredients are incorporated.
- Now you have a soft, creamy scrub ideal for cleaning kitchen stoves and sinks to a high shine.
DIY Multipurpose Spray Cleaner
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon cleaning concentrate (we use Mrs. Meyer’s Cleaning Concentrate)
- optional: lime juice, essential oil (2-3 drops per 2 cups of water)
Equipment
- bowl
- spoon
- spray bottle
Instructions
- Pour the two cups of water into the bowl.
- Mix in one tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Add in one tablespoon of the cleaning concentrate. Add a few drops of lime juice and/or 2-3 drops of essential oil, if using. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle.
- Now you have an all-purpose spray that’s great for windows, glass surfaces, floors, and more.
More Sustainable Cleaning Tips from Professional Cleaners
When you need a quick clean in a pinch (i.e. you have no time to whip together a homemade cleaner), some simple household items on their own can do the trick.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is a natural disinfectant with antibacterial properties.
- To clean wood and plastic cutting boards: Pour a small amount of vinegar on a cloth and wipe down boards.
- To deodorize toilets: Pour 1/2 cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl and let sit for 15 minutes, then flush.
- To remove hard water deposits: Gently heat a cup of white vinegar on the stovetop, then pour into a heat-safe spray bottle. Spray on glass shower doors and bathtub and allow to sit for 15 minutes, then wipe clean.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an effective deodorizer and stain remover, with naturally abrasive properties that remove unwanted smells and gently clean surfaces.
- To deodorize trash cans: Sprinkle a little baking soda at the bottom of the trash receptacle.
- To remove stains from ceramic drinkware: Sprinkle baking soda directly onto stains then gently scrub with a damp sponge.
- To clean grout: Make a simple paste by mixing baking soda and water, then apply directly to stained grout and scrub with a sponge or toothbrush.
The Bottom Line on Natural Home Cleaners
A sparkling clean home doesn’t have to be complicated, caustic, or costly. With a few simple household items and some elbow grease, you can get a deep clean without the need for harsh chemicals.
Want to go completely hands-off with your home cleaning? Up & Go can handle it all, with sustainability and social responsibility built into every part of our business plan, from our products to our worker-owned model.
